As the first lead SHA for allergy services, the North West SHA will:
* Lead and champion improvements in allergy services; and
* Develop a pilot allergy centre, which will be used as a model for allergy centres across the country.
The pilot allergy centre will bring together the expertise of all clinicians with an interest in allergy to provide an integrated and coordinated service for patients across primary and secondary care.
The model will ultimately be rolled out across the country to improve access, equality, patient experience and outcomes for people with allergies.
The appointment of North West SHA as the national lead, and the provision of £60,000 funding to support the pilot centre in its first year, are part of a programme of improvements made by the Department of Health which include the development of National Occupational Standards for allergy and the commissioning of a care pathway for children with allergic symptoms. This specific care pathway will be an invaluable tool for clinicians in managing children with possible and actual allergic reactions.
Health Minister, Ann Keen said,
"Allergies affect the lives of millions of people in this country, and we are ensuring this important issue gets the recognition it deserves. The appointment of a lead Strategic Health Authority to drive improvements to allergy services is a significant step forward.
"The allergy pilot centre will bring together the expertise of a diversity of healthcare professionals in a world class service that will provide a model of care for the whole country."
NHS North West Chief Executive, Mike Farrar, said:
"I am delighted that the North West has been chosen to lead on this work that is significant for so many of the population, not just in our region but across the country. The North West has a well-earned reputation for innovation in health care and our aim will be to develop world class allergy services."
A spokesperson from Allergy UK said,
"Allergy UK welcomes the decision that the North West Strategic Health Authority will lead the establishment of a regional allergy service, particularly as there will be recognition of the important role of primary care in the provision of this service. We are sure that many valuable lessons will be learnt which eventually will lead to much improved services for allergy sufferers nationally."
